Author Topic: 44mag Problem (Read 1483 times)

Lew · « **on:** March 06, 2010, 07:10:38 AM »

I recently acquired a Handi rifle with 44mag and 45/70 barrels. I shot it for the first time today. The 45/70 is gonna be fun! But the 44mag barrel is no good. My brass is coming out swollen/bulged. One brass (Hornady Custom 180-grain) actually split. This swelling/bulging is with 3 different cartridges - Remington & Hornady factory loads and handloads. The 'smith at the range brought out the calipers and my bore is way too big, but not quite big enough for 45 long colt. What should I do? H&R is closed today so I haven't been able to talk to them about it, but it seems like a warranty issue to me, regardless of the gun's age (mine is an NM prefix, which if I'm reading the FAQs right makes it a 1998).

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** March 06, 2010, 07:46:14 AM »

That's a common problem with the older 44mag barrels, that issue wasn't corrected until Marlin started making them in late 2006/early 2007. Bores were very oversize, chambers usually didn't cause a problem unless they were rechambered to 445 Supermag, a few members considered using cut down 444 brass in their handloads, but I don't know if anyone actually did. If the 44mag barrel is factory fitted, they'll probably replace it due to the chamber issue IF they have a barrel in stock, unfortunately they probably won't until the end of the month or April.

Tim

Lew · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2010, 10:26:31 AM »

This one was indeed factory fitted, so at least I have one leg up on the case.

Thanks for the reply. I did search the forum first, but found no info.

Lew

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2010, 10:32:39 AM »

If you handload, you can get .432" or larger cast bullets to shoot well in the oversize bore, Hornady brass isn't the best brass in pistol chamberings, I know there have been complaints of their 500S&W brass splitting too, I prefer Starline myself, but that neither of these option help much if you're shooting factory ammo. $:-\$

Tim

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2010, 02:38:38 PM »

The chamber on my first 45 BC is also large. Brass has a pretty good swell to it, but I haven't split a case yet and my cases have all been reloaded several times with pretty warm loads. Like Tim, I really prefer Starline brass and that's what I have been using in it. DP

Lew · « **Reply #5 on:** March 06, 2010, 05:28:56 PM »

I do intend to handload. Got all the stuff for Christmas, which is one reason I wanted the 44mag as my son shoots an old Ruger Carbine and I wanted to load for both of us. I will call H&R Monday morning and see what they'd like me to do with this. I sincerely hope that they will let me send them the barrel and receiver and exchange the barrel for a new one.

I'm new to handloading and am wondering now if I can use this bulged out brass. My gut feeling is that I'm better off not doing so, considering that there may be hairline fractures in the cases.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #6 on:** March 07, 2010, 04:13:25 AM »

The brass will probably be ok, but will have its life shortened by "working" so much. Keep it seperate and load it for lighter loadings and you will be able to streach its life a bit.

Like Tim mentioned, Hornady brass isn't the best by a long shot.

I also prefer Starline brass as will most loaders who have used it.

The BORE is known over-sized as Tim mentioned, but you also seem to have an over-sized chamber. this is different and NOT safe. Definitely return it to H&R/REM. One issue, you mention its new to you rite? then you do not know its history. What I am getting at is that someone could have tried to re-chamber for say the 445 and fubared the chamber in doing so.

CW

Lefty Dude · « **Reply #7 on:** March 07, 2010, 07:08:17 AM »

Could be a 44 bore and a 45 colt chamber.

Maybe a Monday morning barrel.

Lew · « **Reply #8 on:** March 07, 2010, 11:06:42 AM »

45 long colt doesn't fit. The smith tried it, thinking the same thing.

Lew · « **Reply #9 on:** March 08, 2010, 03:10:40 PM »

H&R says to send it in for them to inspect and suggested that they'll look it over and, if it is a manufacturing defect, they'll replace the barrel. I've got the barrel and received packed up and ready to ship tomorrow. Y'all keep your fingers crossed for me!

Lew · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:21:18 PM »

The barrel and receiver were shipped via 1st class USPS on Tuesday, March 9.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2010, 07:19:10 AM »

Let us know when you get it back, please. We'll see how long it takes and what they do. DP

Lew · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2010, 04:38:11 PM »

I called Tuesday, March 16. My barrel and receiver had just been checked in. I should know something tomorrow and will keep y'all informed.

While it's there, I'm sorely tempted to get a new barrel fitted. I'm thinking a full choke 12gauge for turkeys would be a nice compliment to the 44mag and 45/70. What do y'all think?

Daman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2010, 06:20:14 PM »

I am reworking a JC Higgins 12 gauge double right now that has 28" full choke barrels with 2 3/4" chamber that has killed probably 50 turkeys and 100's of deer. The full choke 12 is a classic!

Daman

Kal52 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 18, 2010, 06:27:36 PM »

if you are going to get a shotgun barrel, may as well get one with the choke tubes, give it more veratility.

Good luck!

Dave

Lew · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2010, 09:32:05 AM »

WOW! I'm too late to order a new barrel! I called today to check on things, and it left the shop this past Friday, March 19. New barrel fitted to my receiver. AWESOME SERVICE!

Gonna go track it now ...

quickdtoo · « **Reply #16 on:** March 22, 2010, 10:59:29 AM »

That's great, hope it arrives soon so you can shoot it and make a range report!!

Tim

Lew · « **Reply #17 on:** March 27, 2010, 04:02:27 AM »

I receved my new barrel yesterday. Repair order states that headspacing was excessive. I can't be happier! The new barrel has an extractor instead of the ejector (which will make it easier to save my brass), and the weld from lug to barrel is beautiful (the other barrel's weld was pitted and roughly ground). Moreover, the new barrel has no iron sights but came with a scope rail with more grooves so that I am able to move my scope rearward another inch or so, which puts it right where I need it. The shop did fire it and it should be good to go. I can't wait to run some lead through it and break it in properly myself!

I am thoroughly impressed with the service I received from H&R (Remington). Nowadays, good service and getting what you paid for and expect are so hit and miss that it's surprising and reaffirming to have a company stand up and do the right thing. I am very, very pleased and impressed. I dig my Handi even more now!

zoner · « **Reply #18 on:** March 27, 2010, 04:33:50 AM »

glad to hear yu got it straightened out....now we need a range report

quickdtoo · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2010, 06:29:24 AM »

Quote from: Lew on March 27, 2010, 04:02:27 AM

I receved my new barrel yesterday. Repair order states that headspacing was excessive. I can't be happier! The new barrel has an extractor instead of the ejector (which will make it easier to save my brass), and the weld from lug to barrel is beautiful (the other barrel's weld was pitted and roughly ground). Moreover, the new barrel has no iron sights but came with a scope rail with more grooves so that I am able to move my scope rearward another inch or so, which puts it right where I need it. The shop did fire it and it should be good to go. I can't wait to run some lead through it and break it in properly myself!

I am thoroughly impressed with the service I received from H&R (Remington). Nowadays, good service and getting what you paid for and expect are so hit and miss that it's surprising and reaffirming to have a company stand up and do the right thing. I am very, very pleased and impressed. I dig my Handi even more now!

All centerfire rifle barrels are extractors, have been for about 3yrs now, the 44mags are no longer available with sights, scope rail only since 2008, sounds like the old barrel had an aftermarket Weaver #82 scope rail, not real popular here due to the very reasons you mentioned. Spend some time reading in the FAQs, you'll learn a lot more about your "new" H&R, many things you need to know before you shoot it.

Tim